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The Power of Cues
Unlocking Your Running Potential
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If you have never seen yourself run, I recommend that you have a look, it’s likely that you will be surprised. Ask a friend, coach, or simply set up your phone on selfie mode and film yourself running. In just a few seconds you will probably notice a few things that you didn’t realise you were doing whilst running.
Running is arguably one of the most natural movements, but we all do it differently. Everyone has their own running style, which is usually geared by their lifestyle and background. You might have broken your ankle when you were a teenager or you might sit at a desk for 8 hours a day, the list is endless for reasons as to why we all run differently.
Whilst there is not necessarily one “right way” to run, there are certainly ways that we can all make our own run form more efficient. And in turn, allow us to run stronger, faster, and more economically. But how?
If you have ever attended a coached running session, you have probably heard some running cues. These cues often allow athletes to bring their focus back to their run form, as opposed to daydreaming through a session. Whether you are daydreaming or running fatigued, both scenarios can create a break in run form, but cues from a coach or even just yourself can help you immensely.
Three top cues you might hear at a coached session that you can also cue yourself on when running are:
1. Run Tall
Essentially, we are looking for the foot to be landing underneath the hips, and not have the upper body break at the hips. Getting the foot placement correct, means that the rest of the running phase will become easier. If a runner lands with their foot out in front, the force applied on landing dissipates, meaning that more force has to be generated take off again. Instead, when landing with a flat foot (tripod landing) under the hip, it allows utilisation of the short stretch cycle (SSC) in the foot. This in turn creates free energy to spring back off the ground into the take-off position.
Furthermore, breaking at the hips automatically shortens the hip flexors, which hinders the knee drive, resulting in creating less air underneath the body to cycle the legs.
Something that you can easily use to remind yourself of this is to imagine that a string is running through your torso and head, pulling you up and slightly forward.
2. Use your Arms
Most runners forget to think about their arms whilst running. The arms actually set the scene for a runner's cadence; what our arms do, the legs follow. For most people it’s one of the biggest improvements that can be made to their run form. Think about keeping your shoulders relaxed, move arms dynamically to the rear by driving from the elbow, and keep your hands soft with thumb and index finger touching.
3. Relax your shoulders, hands, and mind
Whilst to run well, a runner needs tension in the ankles, hips, and core, it is often the case that unnecessary tension develops in other areas of the body, especially once fatigued. Just look at race photos from the beginning of a race versus the end of a race, and you will probably see where your tight spot is. For many runners, it’s held the shoulders and hands. Checking in with yourself during a run and reminding yourself to relax any unnecessary tension when the going gets tough can help both physically and mentally.
GYMNASTICS
This Tuesday, we’re focusing on handstands and handstand walks! We’ll start with strength work before moving on to balance and control while upside down, beginning from the box and progressing to the wall and beyond.
Thursday, we’re heading back to the bar for another round of Bar Muscle Ups! Whether you're chasing your first rep or fine-tuning your technique for cleaner, stronger sets, we’ve got you covered with progressions, modifications, and strength drills to help you level up. Let's go!
HYBRID FITNESS
This week's HYBRID Fitness session focuses on running intervals and then some compromised running, getting used to pushing into the run after some taxing work.
MOBILITY
Unlock better depth, posture, and comfort in your front squats with this focused mobility class. We’ll target key areas, such as the ankles, hips, thoracic spine, and shoulders, to improve your squat mechanics and front rack position. Whether you’re new to squatting or looking to break through a plateau, this class will help you move more efficiently and squat with confidence. Suitable for all levels.
WEIGHTLIFTING
Weightlifting this week is snatch. Working on the power snatch. Technique work, then a complex of snatch pull + 2 power snatch. Finishing with some heavy back squats.
The Monday Ride
Our community program is delivered via TrainingPeaks for AED 750 p/month. If you're interested to have a plan to follow, email tw@innerfight.com
Time: 05:59 am
Session Length: 1 hour
Location: The Loop Cafe, Nad al Sheeba
Track Tuesday
Our weekly on track speed session! For any level of runner looking to build their run speed, threshold and Vo2max fitness and run with the best running community in Dubai.
Time: 05:59 am
Session Length: 1 hour
Location: Dubai Sports City Sports Park
Wednesday - Indoor Ride
Our community program is delivered via TrainingPeaks for AED 750 p/month. If you're interested to have a plan to follow, email tw@innerfight.com
Thursday - Endurance Strength
A strength class focused on key movements for endurance athletes to help avoid injury, build speed and develop strength.
Time: 06:30am
Location: This is a paid class session at InnerFight HQ. If you're interested to join, email winning@innerfight.com
Friday - Coffee Run
Our weekly tempo run. Sessions are built on an RPE scale and accessible to all levels of runner. We start together, run hard then finish together and chat about it over a coffee and breakfast.
Brief time: 05:54 am
Start time: 05:59 am
Start Location: Common Grounds
Saturday - Long Ride
Our weekly endurance ride. This ride always begins with 18 - 20km at 30kph before a longer segment with various formats. Expect the main group to ride around 34kph, slower groups will break off and form. Anyone is welcome to join.
Time: 04:59 am
Location: Bottom of the Stick, Al Qudra.
Sunday - Long Run
A run where we start and finish together. Up to 2hrs long depending on people needs.
If you're interested to join, reach out to Dan Bagley, db@innerfight.com
Time: 05:29 am
Location: Common Grounds
Monday
Session: No in-person session
There is no in person LRC session today, Unlimited Clients, there is a session in your TrainingPeaks still. Enjoy!
Tuesday
Time: 5:59am
Location: Dubai Sports City Sports Park
Session: Track Tuesday
This is your chance to run fast with the wider IFE community and coaches. Come ready to run fast and have fun.
Wednesday
Time: 5:59am & 5:59pm
Location: InnerFight
Session: LRC Intervals
Today we will be running intervals in the park. 100m on/100m recovery.
Friday
Time: 5:59am & 5:59pm
Location: Common Grounds
Session: The Coffee Run + LRC Training Camp
This week re will be cycling through the below seqeunce:
10X
2mins @ 7PRE
1min @ 8RPE
1min @ recovery
The evening session on the LRC Training Camp will be a chilled shake out run from the hotel.
Saturday
Time: 5:29am
Session: LRC Training Camp
We have an action packed day on the LRC Training Camp, all details will be shared in WA.
Sunday
Time: 5:29am
Location: Common Grounds
Session: Long Run + LRC Training Camp
Today we will host a community long run from Common Grounds for those who are still in Dubai.
Those on the training camp in KhorFakkan we will hike at 5:29am.
Monday:
Strength:
A) 1 min max set strict pull-ups
B) EMOM x 8 Pull ups @ 30% of max set
Conditioning:
Every 5 mins x 6
2 rounds
6 Alt Single Arm Manmaker
300/250m row
Tuesday:
Strength:
A) Every 75 sec x 9
1) 16 Alt goblet cossack squat
2) 40 sec alt single leg V-ups
3) 30 sec side plank E/S
B) Every 2 mins x 6 - 3 front squat @20x1
Conditioning:
30-20-10
Assault Bike
Rest 2 minutes after each set
Wednesday:
Strength:
Deadlift Every 2:00 x 5 - 2 reps
Conditioning:
AMRAP 22
In a team of 4
2000m C2 Bike
40 Power cleans (70/45)
40 TTB
Thursday:
Strength:
A) Every 90 sec x 8 - 10 DB box step up
B) Every 2 mins x 5 - 8 Alternating Barbell Reverse Lunges
C) EMOM x 8 - M1: 20 sec Nordic Hold / M2: 30 sec Ring rows
Conditioning:
500/450 ski
5 burpee pull-ups
400/350 ski
5 burpee pull-ups
300/250 ski
5 burpee pull-ups
200/150 ski
5 burpee pull-ups
100/50 ski
Friday:
Strength:
A) Every 75 sec x 8 1 push press (1 sec pause in dip)
Conditioning:
0-16 mins
2500m/2000m row
Every 2 mins - 6 box jump overs
16-26 mins
1500m/1200m row
Every 2 mins - 6 Dual KB Front squat
26-32 mins
1000m/800m row
Every 2 mins - 6 Dual KB STOH
If you have never seen yourself run, I recommend that you have a look, it’s likely that you will be surprised. Ask a friend, coach, or simply set up your phone on selfie mode and film yourself running. In just a few seconds you will probably notice a few things that you didn’t realise you were doing whilst running.
Running is arguably one of the most natural movements, but we all do it differently. Everyone has their own running style, which is usually geared by their lifestyle and background. You might have broken your ankle when you were a teenager or you might sit at a desk for 8 hours a day, the list is endless for reasons as to why we all run differently.
Whilst there is not necessarily one “right way” to run, there are certainly ways that we can all make our own run form more efficient. And in turn, allow us to run stronger, faster, and more economically. But how?
If you have ever attended a coached running session, you have probably heard some running cues. These cues often allow athletes to bring their focus back to their run form, as opposed to daydreaming through a session. Whether you are daydreaming or running fatigued, both scenarios can create a break in run form, but cues from a coach or even just yourself can help you immensely.
Three top cues you might hear at a coached session that you can also cue yourself on when running are:
1. Run Tall
Essentially, we are looking for the foot to be landing underneath the hips, and not have the upper body break at the hips. Getting the foot placement correct, means that the rest of the running phase will become easier. If a runner lands with their foot out in front, the force applied on landing dissipates, meaning that more force has to be generated take off again. Instead, when landing with a flat foot (tripod landing) under the hip, it allows utilisation of the short stretch cycle (SSC) in the foot. This in turn creates free energy to spring back off the ground into the take-off position.
Furthermore, breaking at the hips automatically shortens the hip flexors, which hinders the knee drive, resulting in creating less air underneath the body to cycle the legs.
Something that you can easily use to remind yourself of this is to imagine that a string is running through your torso and head, pulling you up and slightly forward.
2. Use your Arms
Most runners forget to think about their arms whilst running. The arms actually set the scene for a runner's cadence; what our arms do, the legs follow. For most people it’s one of the biggest improvements that can be made to their run form. Think about keeping your shoulders relaxed, move arms dynamically to the rear by driving from the elbow, and keep your hands soft with thumb and index finger touching.
3. Relax your shoulders, hands, and mind
Whilst to run well, a runner needs tension in the ankles, hips, and core, it is often the case that unnecessary tension develops in other areas of the body, especially once fatigued. Just look at race photos from the beginning of a race versus the end of a race, and you will probably see where your tight spot is. For many runners, it’s held the shoulders and hands. Checking in with yourself during a run and reminding yourself to relax any unnecessary tension when the going gets tough can help both physically and mentally.
The Monday Ride
Our community program is delivered via TrainingPeaks for AED 750 p/month. If you're interested to have a plan to follow, email tw@innerfight.com
Time: 05:59 am
Session Length: 1 hour
Location: The Loop Cafe, Nad al Sheeba
Track Tuesday
Our weekly on track speed session! For any level of runner looking to build their run speed, threshold and Vo2max fitness and run with the best running community in Dubai.
Time: 05:59 am
Session Length: 1 hour
Location: Dubai Sports City Sports Park
Wednesday - Indoor Ride
Our community program is delivered via TrainingPeaks for AED 750 p/month. If you're interested to have a plan to follow, email tw@innerfight.com
Thursday - Endurance Strength
A strength class focused on key movements for endurance athletes to help avoid injury, build speed and develop strength.
Time: 06:30am
Location: This is a paid class session at InnerFight HQ. If you're interested to join, email winning@innerfight.com
Friday - Coffee Run
Our weekly tempo run. Sessions are built on an RPE scale and accessible to all levels of runner. We start together, run hard then finish together and chat about it over a coffee and breakfast.
Brief time: 05:54 am
Start time: 05:59 am
Start Location: Common Grounds
Saturday - Long Ride
Our weekly endurance ride. This ride always begins with 18 - 20km at 30kph before a longer segment with various formats. Expect the main group to ride around 34kph, slower groups will break off and form. Anyone is welcome to join.
Time: 04:59 am
Location: Bottom of the Stick, Al Qudra.
Sunday - Long Run
A run where we start and finish together. Up to 2hrs long depending on people needs.
If you're interested to join, reach out to Dan Bagley, db@innerfight.com
Time: 05:29 am
Location: Common Grounds
Monday
Session: No in-person session
There is no in person LRC session today, Unlimited Clients, there is a session in your TrainingPeaks still. Enjoy!
Tuesday
Time: 5:59am
Location: Dubai Sports City Sports Park
Session: Track Tuesday
This is your chance to run fast with the wider IFE community and coaches. Come ready to run fast and have fun.
Wednesday
Time: 5:59am & 5:59pm
Location: InnerFight
Session: LRC Intervals
Today we will be running intervals in the park. 100m on/100m recovery.
Friday
Time: 5:59am & 5:59pm
Location: Common Grounds
Session: The Coffee Run + LRC Training Camp
This week re will be cycling through the below seqeunce:
10X
2mins @ 7PRE
1min @ 8RPE
1min @ recovery
The evening session on the LRC Training Camp will be a chilled shake out run from the hotel.
Saturday
Time: 5:29am
Session: LRC Training Camp
We have an action packed day on the LRC Training Camp, all details will be shared in WA.
Sunday
Time: 5:29am
Location: Common Grounds
Session: Long Run + LRC Training Camp
Today we will host a community long run from Common Grounds for those who are still in Dubai.
Those on the training camp in KhorFakkan we will hike at 5:29am.
Monday:
Strength:
A) 1 min max set strict pull-ups
B) EMOM x 8 Pull ups @ 30% of max set
Conditioning:
Every 5 mins x 6
2 rounds
6 Alt Single Arm Manmaker
300/250m row
Tuesday:
Strength:
A) Every 75 sec x 9
1) 16 Alt goblet cossack squat
2) 40 sec alt single leg V-ups
3) 30 sec side plank E/S
B) Every 2 mins x 6 - 3 front squat @20x1
Conditioning:
30-20-10
Assault Bike
Rest 2 minutes after each set
Wednesday:
Strength:
Deadlift Every 2:00 x 5 - 2 reps
Conditioning:
AMRAP 22
In a team of 4
2000m C2 Bike
40 Power cleans (70/45)
40 TTB
Thursday:
Strength:
A) Every 90 sec x 8 - 10 DB box step up
B) Every 2 mins x 5 - 8 Alternating Barbell Reverse Lunges
C) EMOM x 8 - M1: 20 sec Nordic Hold / M2: 30 sec Ring rows
Conditioning:
500/450 ski
5 burpee pull-ups
400/350 ski
5 burpee pull-ups
300/250 ski
5 burpee pull-ups
200/150 ski
5 burpee pull-ups
100/50 ski
Friday:
Strength:
A) Every 75 sec x 8 1 push press (1 sec pause in dip)
Conditioning:
0-16 mins
2500m/2000m row
Every 2 mins - 6 box jump overs
16-26 mins
1500m/1200m row
Every 2 mins - 6 Dual KB Front squat
26-32 mins
1000m/800m row
Every 2 mins - 6 Dual KB STOH
GYMNASTICS
This Tuesday, we’re focusing on handstands and handstand walks! We’ll start with strength work before moving on to balance and control while upside down, beginning from the box and progressing to the wall and beyond.
Thursday, we’re heading back to the bar for another round of Bar Muscle Ups! Whether you're chasing your first rep or fine-tuning your technique for cleaner, stronger sets, we’ve got you covered with progressions, modifications, and strength drills to help you level up. Let's go!
HYBRID FITNESS
This week's HYBRID Fitness session focuses on running intervals and then some compromised running, getting used to pushing into the run after some taxing work.
MOBILITY
Unlock better depth, posture, and comfort in your front squats with this focused mobility class. We’ll target key areas, such as the ankles, hips, thoracic spine, and shoulders, to improve your squat mechanics and front rack position. Whether you’re new to squatting or looking to break through a plateau, this class will help you move more efficiently and squat with confidence. Suitable for all levels.
WEIGHTLIFTING
Weightlifting this week is snatch. Working on the power snatch. Technique work, then a complex of snatch pull + 2 power snatch. Finishing with some heavy back squats.
If you have never seen yourself run, I recommend that you have a look, it’s likely that you will be surprised. Ask a friend, coach, or simply set up your phone on selfie mode and film yourself running. In just a few seconds you will probably notice a few things that you didn’t realise you were doing whilst running.
Running is arguably one of the most natural movements, but we all do it differently. Everyone has their own running style, which is usually geared by their lifestyle and background. You might have broken your ankle when you were a teenager or you might sit at a desk for 8 hours a day, the list is endless for reasons as to why we all run differently.
Whilst there is not necessarily one “right way” to run, there are certainly ways that we can all make our own run form more efficient. And in turn, allow us to run stronger, faster, and more economically. But how?
If you have ever attended a coached running session, you have probably heard some running cues. These cues often allow athletes to bring their focus back to their run form, as opposed to daydreaming through a session. Whether you are daydreaming or running fatigued, both scenarios can create a break in run form, but cues from a coach or even just yourself can help you immensely.
Three top cues you might hear at a coached session that you can also cue yourself on when running are:
1. Run Tall
Essentially, we are looking for the foot to be landing underneath the hips, and not have the upper body break at the hips. Getting the foot placement correct, means that the rest of the running phase will become easier. If a runner lands with their foot out in front, the force applied on landing dissipates, meaning that more force has to be generated take off again. Instead, when landing with a flat foot (tripod landing) under the hip, it allows utilisation of the short stretch cycle (SSC) in the foot. This in turn creates free energy to spring back off the ground into the take-off position.
Furthermore, breaking at the hips automatically shortens the hip flexors, which hinders the knee drive, resulting in creating less air underneath the body to cycle the legs.
Something that you can easily use to remind yourself of this is to imagine that a string is running through your torso and head, pulling you up and slightly forward.
2. Use your Arms
Most runners forget to think about their arms whilst running. The arms actually set the scene for a runner's cadence; what our arms do, the legs follow. For most people it’s one of the biggest improvements that can be made to their run form. Think about keeping your shoulders relaxed, move arms dynamically to the rear by driving from the elbow, and keep your hands soft with thumb and index finger touching.
3. Relax your shoulders, hands, and mind
Whilst to run well, a runner needs tension in the ankles, hips, and core, it is often the case that unnecessary tension develops in other areas of the body, especially once fatigued. Just look at race photos from the beginning of a race versus the end of a race, and you will probably see where your tight spot is. For many runners, it’s held the shoulders and hands. Checking in with yourself during a run and reminding yourself to relax any unnecessary tension when the going gets tough can help both physically and mentally.
Monday
Session: No in-person session
There is no in person LRC session today, Unlimited Clients, there is a session in your TrainingPeaks still. Enjoy!
Tuesday
Time: 5:59am
Location: Dubai Sports City Sports Park
Session: Track Tuesday
This is your chance to run fast with the wider IFE community and coaches. Come ready to run fast and have fun.
Wednesday
Time: 5:59am & 5:59pm
Location: InnerFight
Session: LRC Intervals
Today we will be running intervals in the park. 100m on/100m recovery.
Friday
Time: 5:59am & 5:59pm
Location: Common Grounds
Session: The Coffee Run + LRC Training Camp
This week re will be cycling through the below seqeunce:
10X
2mins @ 7PRE
1min @ 8RPE
1min @ recovery
The evening session on the LRC Training Camp will be a chilled shake out run from the hotel.
Saturday
Time: 5:29am
Session: LRC Training Camp
We have an action packed day on the LRC Training Camp, all details will be shared in WA.
Sunday
Time: 5:29am
Location: Common Grounds
Session: Long Run + LRC Training Camp
Today we will host a community long run from Common Grounds for those who are still in Dubai.
Those on the training camp in KhorFakkan we will hike at 5:29am.
Monday:
Strength:
A) 1 min max set strict pull-ups
B) EMOM x 8 Pull ups @ 30% of max set
Conditioning:
Every 5 mins x 6
2 rounds
6 Alt Single Arm Manmaker
300/250m row
Tuesday:
Strength:
A) Every 75 sec x 9
1) 16 Alt goblet cossack squat
2) 40 sec alt single leg V-ups
3) 30 sec side plank E/S
B) Every 2 mins x 6 - 3 front squat @20x1
Conditioning:
30-20-10
Assault Bike
Rest 2 minutes after each set
Wednesday:
Strength:
Deadlift Every 2:00 x 5 - 2 reps
Conditioning:
AMRAP 22
In a team of 4
2000m C2 Bike
40 Power cleans (70/45)
40 TTB
Thursday:
Strength:
A) Every 90 sec x 8 - 10 DB box step up
B) Every 2 mins x 5 - 8 Alternating Barbell Reverse Lunges
C) EMOM x 8 - M1: 20 sec Nordic Hold / M2: 30 sec Ring rows
Conditioning:
500/450 ski
5 burpee pull-ups
400/350 ski
5 burpee pull-ups
300/250 ski
5 burpee pull-ups
200/150 ski
5 burpee pull-ups
100/50 ski
Friday:
Strength:
A) Every 75 sec x 8 1 push press (1 sec pause in dip)
Conditioning:
0-16 mins
2500m/2000m row
Every 2 mins - 6 box jump overs
16-26 mins
1500m/1200m row
Every 2 mins - 6 Dual KB Front squat
26-32 mins
1000m/800m row
Every 2 mins - 6 Dual KB STOH
GYMNASTICS
This Tuesday, we’re focusing on handstands and handstand walks! We’ll start with strength work before moving on to balance and control while upside down, beginning from the box and progressing to the wall and beyond.
Thursday, we’re heading back to the bar for another round of Bar Muscle Ups! Whether you're chasing your first rep or fine-tuning your technique for cleaner, stronger sets, we’ve got you covered with progressions, modifications, and strength drills to help you level up. Let's go!
HYBRID FITNESS
This week's HYBRID Fitness session focuses on running intervals and then some compromised running, getting used to pushing into the run after some taxing work.
MOBILITY
Unlock better depth, posture, and comfort in your front squats with this focused mobility class. We’ll target key areas, such as the ankles, hips, thoracic spine, and shoulders, to improve your squat mechanics and front rack position. Whether you’re new to squatting or looking to break through a plateau, this class will help you move more efficiently and squat with confidence. Suitable for all levels.
WEIGHTLIFTING
Weightlifting this week is snatch. Working on the power snatch. Technique work, then a complex of snatch pull + 2 power snatch. Finishing with some heavy back squats.
The Monday Ride
Our community program is delivered via TrainingPeaks for AED 750 p/month. If you're interested to have a plan to follow, email tw@innerfight.com
Time: 05:59 am
Session Length: 1 hour
Location: The Loop Cafe, Nad al Sheeba
Track Tuesday
Our weekly on track speed session! For any level of runner looking to build their run speed, threshold and Vo2max fitness and run with the best running community in Dubai.
Time: 05:59 am
Session Length: 1 hour
Location: Dubai Sports City Sports Park
Wednesday - Indoor Ride
Our community program is delivered via TrainingPeaks for AED 750 p/month. If you're interested to have a plan to follow, email tw@innerfight.com
Thursday - Endurance Strength
A strength class focused on key movements for endurance athletes to help avoid injury, build speed and develop strength.
Time: 06:30am
Location: This is a paid class session at InnerFight HQ. If you're interested to join, email winning@innerfight.com
Friday - Coffee Run
Our weekly tempo run. Sessions are built on an RPE scale and accessible to all levels of runner. We start together, run hard then finish together and chat about it over a coffee and breakfast.
Brief time: 05:54 am
Start time: 05:59 am
Start Location: Common Grounds
Saturday - Long Ride
Our weekly endurance ride. This ride always begins with 18 - 20km at 30kph before a longer segment with various formats. Expect the main group to ride around 34kph, slower groups will break off and form. Anyone is welcome to join.
Time: 04:59 am
Location: Bottom of the Stick, Al Qudra.
Sunday - Long Run
A run where we start and finish together. Up to 2hrs long depending on people needs.
If you're interested to join, reach out to Dan Bagley, db@innerfight.com
Time: 05:29 am
Location: Common Grounds
If you have never seen yourself run, I recommend that you have a look, it’s likely that you will be surprised. Ask a friend, coach, or simply set up your phone on selfie mode and film yourself running. In just a few seconds you will probably notice a few things that you didn’t realise you were doing whilst running.
Running is arguably one of the most natural movements, but we all do it differently. Everyone has their own running style, which is usually geared by their lifestyle and background. You might have broken your ankle when you were a teenager or you might sit at a desk for 8 hours a day, the list is endless for reasons as to why we all run differently.
Whilst there is not necessarily one “right way” to run, there are certainly ways that we can all make our own run form more efficient. And in turn, allow us to run stronger, faster, and more economically. But how?
If you have ever attended a coached running session, you have probably heard some running cues. These cues often allow athletes to bring their focus back to their run form, as opposed to daydreaming through a session. Whether you are daydreaming or running fatigued, both scenarios can create a break in run form, but cues from a coach or even just yourself can help you immensely.
Three top cues you might hear at a coached session that you can also cue yourself on when running are:
1. Run Tall
Essentially, we are looking for the foot to be landing underneath the hips, and not have the upper body break at the hips. Getting the foot placement correct, means that the rest of the running phase will become easier. If a runner lands with their foot out in front, the force applied on landing dissipates, meaning that more force has to be generated take off again. Instead, when landing with a flat foot (tripod landing) under the hip, it allows utilisation of the short stretch cycle (SSC) in the foot. This in turn creates free energy to spring back off the ground into the take-off position.
Furthermore, breaking at the hips automatically shortens the hip flexors, which hinders the knee drive, resulting in creating less air underneath the body to cycle the legs.
Something that you can easily use to remind yourself of this is to imagine that a string is running through your torso and head, pulling you up and slightly forward.
2. Use your Arms
Most runners forget to think about their arms whilst running. The arms actually set the scene for a runner's cadence; what our arms do, the legs follow. For most people it’s one of the biggest improvements that can be made to their run form. Think about keeping your shoulders relaxed, move arms dynamically to the rear by driving from the elbow, and keep your hands soft with thumb and index finger touching.
3. Relax your shoulders, hands, and mind
Whilst to run well, a runner needs tension in the ankles, hips, and core, it is often the case that unnecessary tension develops in other areas of the body, especially once fatigued. Just look at race photos from the beginning of a race versus the end of a race, and you will probably see where your tight spot is. For many runners, it’s held the shoulders and hands. Checking in with yourself during a run and reminding yourself to relax any unnecessary tension when the going gets tough can help both physically and mentally.
If you have never seen yourself run, I recommend that you have a look, it’s likely that you will be surprised. Ask a friend, coach, or simply set up your phone on selfie mode and film yourself running. In just a few seconds you will probably notice a few things that you didn’t realise you were doing whilst running.
Running is arguably one of the most natural movements, but we all do it differently. Everyone has their own running style, which is usually geared by their lifestyle and background. You might have broken your ankle when you were a teenager or you might sit at a desk for 8 hours a day, the list is endless for reasons as to why we all run differently.
Whilst there is not necessarily one “right way” to run, there are certainly ways that we can all make our own run form more efficient. And in turn, allow us to run stronger, faster, and more economically. But how?
If you have ever attended a coached running session, you have probably heard some running cues. These cues often allow athletes to bring their focus back to their run form, as opposed to daydreaming through a session. Whether you are daydreaming or running fatigued, both scenarios can create a break in run form, but cues from a coach or even just yourself can help you immensely.
Three top cues you might hear at a coached session that you can also cue yourself on when running are:
1. Run Tall
Essentially, we are looking for the foot to be landing underneath the hips, and not have the upper body break at the hips. Getting the foot placement correct, means that the rest of the running phase will become easier. If a runner lands with their foot out in front, the force applied on landing dissipates, meaning that more force has to be generated take off again. Instead, when landing with a flat foot (tripod landing) under the hip, it allows utilisation of the short stretch cycle (SSC) in the foot. This in turn creates free energy to spring back off the ground into the take-off position.
Furthermore, breaking at the hips automatically shortens the hip flexors, which hinders the knee drive, resulting in creating less air underneath the body to cycle the legs.
Something that you can easily use to remind yourself of this is to imagine that a string is running through your torso and head, pulling you up and slightly forward.
2. Use your Arms
Most runners forget to think about their arms whilst running. The arms actually set the scene for a runner's cadence; what our arms do, the legs follow. For most people it’s one of the biggest improvements that can be made to their run form. Think about keeping your shoulders relaxed, move arms dynamically to the rear by driving from the elbow, and keep your hands soft with thumb and index finger touching.
3. Relax your shoulders, hands, and mind
Whilst to run well, a runner needs tension in the ankles, hips, and core, it is often the case that unnecessary tension develops in other areas of the body, especially once fatigued. Just look at race photos from the beginning of a race versus the end of a race, and you will probably see where your tight spot is. For many runners, it’s held the shoulders and hands. Checking in with yourself during a run and reminding yourself to relax any unnecessary tension when the going gets tough can help both physically and mentally.
One-Hour Workout: Revving Your Swim Engine
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